With the poor overall survival rate for lung cancer, we haven't focused much on issues that long-term survivors face. Thankfully, some of these long-term "survivor issues" are now being looked at.
One of the most common long-term side effects of lung cancer treatment is dyspnea - or persistent shortness of breath. How common is this uncomfortable symptom?
Researchers looked at over 300 lung cancer survivors who had been treated with lung cancer surgery for stage 1 non-small cell lung cancer, and had no evidence of cancer 1 to 6 years after treatment. They found that 60% of these individuals lived with some degree of shortness of breath.
The conclusion of the study was that further research is needed to look at things that may help decrease shortness of breath in lung cancer survivors. So what may help?
- Increasing physical activity - In this study, individuals who were less physically active before surgery were more likely to have shortness of breath over the long run
- Relieving symptoms of depression - Depression in this study was linked with much more shortness of breath for long-term survivors
Being a runner and having experienced temporary shortness of breath at times, my heart goes out to those who live with this symptom on a daily basis. Clearly we need to delve more deeply into ways of making life more comfortable for long-term survivors of lung cancer, just as we have for survivors of other forms of cancer.
Further Reading:
Photo: istockphoto.com
Source:
Feinstein, M. et al. Current Dyspnea Among Long-Term Survivors of Early-Stage Non-small Cell Lung Cancer. Journal of Thoracic Oncology. 2010. 5(8):1221-1226.
Angels are all around us. Bill Barry spent his life helping others. Now with cancer, he needs the help he would never ask for.
It is a very difficult moment for a person to suffer any cancer disease. We are trying to raise funds for Bill Barry’s cancer care.
On July 7, 2010, Bill Barry, was diagnosed with small cell lung cancer, which has already metastasized to his liver.
It leaves him only with an expensive and grueling course of chemotherapy to extend his life. He just turned 48 on August 1st. His family want him to have so many birthdays to come. In the past year, they lost their family member, his beloved 21 year old son. Now it’s only him, his wife, and daughter, left to deal with more than they ever thought they’d face.
He has Medicare, which will only pay for 80% of his medical costs, and nothing of his prescriptions. The remaining cost is much more than his wife can afford on her limited income. He has never lost a battle, and they can’t imagine him starting now, so they’re looking to pay for a lot of chemotherapy treatments.
It is the people whose lives he has touched over the years that are reaching out to you now. It would be wonderful if he received just a fraction of the kindness that he’s given to others, now, in his time of need. Our community has been improved for his being here, and would not be the same without him.
Please help
how is he doing, did you raise the monies needed. my husband has same diagnosis not doing well right now.god bless your family